Regional Commission Aims For Summer Launch

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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowFormation of a new, multi-county regional economic development organization is on track. The Palladium-Item in Richmond reports plans for the Eastern Indiana Regional Planning Commission are set to be complete this summer.
The group will represent Wayne, Union, Fayette, Rush and Randolph counties. The region has not had an economic development group of this kind since 2012. The publication says the theft by an employee led to the demise of the Eastern Indiana Development District.
Jeff Plasterer, who serves on the Wayne County Council, is organizing efforts and is meeting with officials in each county to drum up support. In all, plans call for 38 seats on the commission’s board. Efforts will center on attracting and retaining advanced manufacturing, agribusiness and bio-medical and health care businesses.
Plasterer says the organization still needs approval of Governor Mike Pence. Ground work for the Eastern Indiana Regional Planning Commission were laid in 2014 when a steering committee was established.
Plasterer tells The Palladium-Item the organization is looking for a three-year commitment from participating counties. Board membership will include county commissioner, county council and city and town representation